California Paid Sick Leave Poster in San Diego, California (2026)
Without the California Paid Sick Leave Poster displayed in your restaurant, you face labor code violations and penalties from the California Department of Industrial Relations — and your staff may not know their legal rights to paid leave. The California Paid Sick Leave Poster is a state-mandated notice (also called an Accrual and Use Notice) that you must post in a conspicuous location where employees can easily read it. Key facts:
- 17 fields — ApronPrep auto-fills 14
- $0 government filing fee
- No processing timeline — you print and post immediately
Analyzed from California Paid Sick Leave Poster
82% from one compliance interview
Manual entry or document upload required
Why You Need a California Paid Sick Leave Poster
In San Diego, your restaurant is required to post a California Paid Sick Leave notice under California Labor Code Section 247.6 and the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014 (Labor Code §§ 245-249). The state's Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) mandates this poster, which must be displayed alongside other required notices like the Minimum Wage order (Wage Order 5-2001) and the San Diego Minimum Wage Ordinance. This consolidated California Paid Sick Leave Poster informs employees of their rights to accrue and use paid sick days, the rate of pay, and the prohibition against retaliation—all under state law, which preempts any less generous local San Diego requirements. The DLSE provides the official poster for download, and it is a fundamental workplace compliance document, just like your workers' compensation notice.
Failing to properly post this notice is a citable labor law violation. An inspection by the state Labor Commissioner's Office or a complaint from an employee can trigger an investigation. Based on state penalty schedules, the consequences for non-compliance typically include:
- Civil penalties assessed per violation. For initial postings, these can be substantial, especially if multiple required notices are missing.
- Exposure to claims for back wages and liquidated damages in employee lawsuits. If an employee successfully argues they were denied a sick day benefit because they were unaware of their rights, you may be liable for the value of the day's pay plus an equal amount in liquidated damages.
- Increased legal liability in wage-and-hour disputes. Missing posters can be used as evidence of a general pattern of non-compliance, strengthening an employee's case in claims for overtime, meal breaks, or other violations.
- Operational disruption during a state audit. An inspector will note the deficiency, which extends the scope and duration of the visit, potentially uncovering other issues.
Legal code: State minimum wage law, earned sick time law, tip law, workplace poster statutes, prevailing wage law
Recent update: As of 2024, California law was updated (via SB 616) to increase the annual sick leave accrual and use cap from 3 days or 24 hours to 5 days or 40 hours; ensure your posted notice or handbook reflects this current 40-hour/5-day requirement.
Who Needs a California Paid Sick Leave Poster?
| Type | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (Full-Service) | Required | Required; employs at least one person, triggering posting obligations under California Labor Code Section 246(i) and the California Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act (HWHFA). |
| Bar / Nightclub | Required | Required; any employer with one or more employees, including servers and bartenders, must display the poster as per HWHFA. |
| Food Truck | Required | Required; mobile employers with California-based employees are subject to the same state sick leave law posting mandates as fixed locations. |
| Coffee Shop / Café | Required | Required; employs at least one barista or staff member, meeting the one-employee threshold for mandatory notice posting. |
See which restaurant types need this requirement — and which don't.
See Full Requirements →Field-by-Field Guide (17 Fields)
14 of 17 auto-filledHas California Employees
booleanEnter 'Yes' if you have any employees performing work in California, regardless of their home address or the restaurant's corporate headquarters location.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering 'No' because the business is incorporated out-of-state, which is incorrect for a restaurant with a physical location and staff in San Diego.
Total Number of California Employees
numberEnter the exact total number of all employees (full-time, part-time, temporary) who work in California, as this determines your specific obligations under the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act.
COMMON MISTAKE: Omitting part-time servers or temporary kitchen staff; the count must include all individuals on payroll for work performed in the state.
California Workplace Addresses
textList the complete physical street address(es) in California where employees report for work, including the main restaurant and any satellite kitchens or offices.
COMMON MISTAKE: Listing only a P.O. Box or corporate mailing address; enforcement agencies need the physical worksite location for inspection purposes.
Current Poster Status
selectSelect your current status: 'Have a 2025 or earlier poster,' 'Have the 2026 poster,' or 'Do not have any poster'.
COMMON MISTAKE: Selecting 'Have the 2026 poster' without verifying it's the official California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) version dated 01/2026.
Last Verification Date
dateEnter the date you last checked the DIR website to confirm you have the most current poster, as the law and poster are updated annually.
COMMON MISTAKE: Leaving blank or entering a date from 2025; the 2026 poster is mandatory, so your last check should be recent.
Understands Display Requirements
booleanConfirm you understand the poster must be displayed where employees can easily see it, such as a break room or time clock area, as required by Labor Code § 2810.5.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering 'Yes' but planning to post only in a manager's office, which is not an area frequented by all employees.
Planned Posting Locations
textDescribe the specific, accessible areas where you will post the notice, e.g., 'Employee break room bulletin board' and 'Kitchen entrance near schedules'.
COMMON MISTAKE: Vague entries like 'in the restaurant'; be specific to prove you've planned for actual employee access.
Poster Downloaded
booleanEnter 'Yes' only after you have successfully downloaded the official '2026 Paid Sick Leave' poster (Form DLSE 1000) from the California DIR website.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering 'Yes' after downloading a poster from a third-party vendor that may not be the state's official, current version.
Download Date
dateEnter the date you downloaded the poster file; this creates an audit trail proving you obtained the notice after the 2026 effective date.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering a future date or a date prior to January 1, 2026, which would indicate you have an outdated, non-compliant poster.
Languages Required for Posting
textList all languages spoken by 10% or more of your workforce who are not literate in English, as the DIR provides the notice in multiple languages and you must post the appropriate versions.
COMMON MISTAKE: Listing only 'English' when you have a significant number of Spanish-speaking kitchen staff, which can lead to non-compliance and penalties.
ApronPrep auto-fills 14 of 17 fields from a single compliance interview — no re-typing, no guessing what the government expects.
Top 5 California Paid Sick Leave Poster Mistakes
1. Using Outdated 2025 or Earlier Versions of the Poster
Posting the previous year's California Paid Sick Leave poster, which lacks 2026 updates required by the state. This is the most common compliance violation because employers assume the law hasn't changed. The consequence is a minimum $100 citation per location from the Labor Commissioner. Always verify you're downloading the current year's 'Employee Rights Under the Paid Sick Leave Law' poster from the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) website.
2. Failing to Display in a Conspicuous Location Where Employees Can Easily Read It
Placing the poster in a back office, a cluttered bulletin board, or an area not frequented by all employees, like a kitchen. California Labor Code § 2810.5 requires it to be where employees can easily see it. The consequence is the same as not having a poster—a fine and potential wage claim disputes where an employee argues they were unaware of their rights. Post it next to time clocks, in break rooms, or near other required labor law posters.
3. Not Providing Translated Versions for Non-English Speaking Employees
Assuming the English-only version satisfies all posting requirements when you have Spanish-speaking or other non-English-proficient staff. DIR regulations require providing the poster in the language the employee understands. The consequence is that it fails to inform your workforce, which can lead to misuse of leave and disputes. Download and post the official DIR Spanish version ('Derechos del Empleado Bajo la Ley de Licencia por Enfermedad Pagada') alongside the English poster if you have Spanish-speaking employees.
Skip the Paperwork on Your California Paid Sick Leave Poster
ApronPrep auto-fills 14 of 17 fields from one compliance interview.
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California Paid Sick Leave Poster by City in California
| City | Fee Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | ||
| San Diego | ||
| San Jose |
Timeline: Varies
Obtain the Official Poster from California Department of Industrial Relations
Download the California Paid Sick Leave Poster (in English or Spanish) directly from the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) website at dir.ca.gov, or request a printed copy by mail at no cost. The poster is available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. Most restaurants print the English version immediately upon download — no government filing fee required.
Print and Laminate the Poster (Optional)
Print the poster on 8.5" × 11" or 11" × 17" paper (color or black-and-white acceptable), or order pre-printed copies from office supply vendors. Many restaurant owners laminate the poster to protect it from kitchen moisture and wear. This step is not required by law but extends the poster's lifespan in a food service environment.
Post in a Conspicuous Location Accessible to All Employees
Display the poster in a location where all employees can easily read it — typically near the employee break room, time clock, or main entrance. The poster must be posted in English and in any language spoken by at least 10% of your workforce. San Diego restaurants with bilingual or multilingual staff should post versions in Spanish and any other languages used by significant portions of the team.
Where to Apply
Applications go to the California department of labor. Local procedures and fees may vary — select your city below.
Other Requirements You'll Need
This is one of 13 requirements for opening a restaurant in California.
ADA Compliance Self-Certification
federal
Alarm System Permit/Registration
local
Alcohol Server Training Certification (RBS)
state
Application for Employer Identification Number
federal
See all co-required forms and how they connect to your compliance dossier.
See All RequirementsA California Paid Sick Leave Poster is not a permit that requires approval — it is a mandatory workplace notice you must display immediately upon hire. There is no processing timeline because you obtain the poster directly from the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) website at no cost, then print and post it in a conspicuous location accessible to all employees. Once downloaded and posted, compliance is immediate; however, you must verify annually that your posted version reflects current state law changes, as California updates paid sick leave requirements periodically. Contact the DIR at dir.ca.gov to confirm current poster language requirements.
There is no government filing fee for the California Paid Sick Leave Poster — the poster is available for free download from the California Department of Industrial Relations website. However, you may incur costs for printing and posting materials depending on your restaurant's size and layout. If you require assistance ensuring compliance with federal and state labor postings together, you may also want to review related requirements such as California Employer Registration for Unemployment Insurance, which has separate administrative requirements. Not legal advice — verify current poster requirements with the DIR.
Yes, if you relocate your restaurant within California, you can continue using the same California Paid Sick Leave Poster provided it reflects current state law and complies with San Diego municipal workplace notice requirements. However, you must ensure the poster is re-posted in a conspicuous location at your new address and remains visible to all employees. San Diego may have additional local labor notice requirements beyond the state poster; contact the San Diego County Labor Commissioner's office to confirm location-specific posting obligations.
The California Paid Sick Leave Poster does not require formal renewal, but you must update your posted version whenever California law changes — typically occurring annually or when the DIR releases a new poster language. Per the California Department of Industrial Relations, employers must post the current year's poster; posting an outdated version can result in citations during labor inspections. Check the DIR website periodically or subscribe to labor law updates to stay informed of changes.
During a labor inspection by the San Diego County Labor Commissioner or state Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), inspectors verify that the current California Paid Sick Leave Poster is posted in a location accessible and visible to all employees. If the poster is missing, outdated, or illegible, the inspector may issue a citation and notice to cure; failure to correct within the specified timeframe can result in civil penalties. To avoid citations, ensure the poster is laminated or protected, posted in English and any other language spoken by 10% or more of your workforce per California law, and updated annually.
About This Data
This guide is generated from ApronPrep's compliance dossier system, which uses 53 parallel AI authority experts to discover requirements, then downloads actual forms and generates field-level intelligence for each one.
For California specifically, we have analyzed compliance dossiers for 3 cities (Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose), generating Rich FILs (Form Intelligence Layers) with 17 form fields analyzed for this requirement. Fee data is sourced from actual county department fee schedules, not estimates.
Our data is verified against official government sources and updated when regulatory changes are detected. If you find an error, please report it — accuracy is our core commitment.
Sources
- State minimum wage law, earned sick time law, tip law, workplace poster statutes, prevailing wage law
- Los Angeles — Department of Labor / Labor Standards
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